RSS
Home
Manny Ramirez test positive for performance-enhancing drugs, suspended for 50 games
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Manny Ramirez won't return until July 3 at the earliest. (AP)
According to this Los Angeles Times news-burst, Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez has tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs and will be suspended 50 games, in accordance with a first positive test.
For fantasy baseball, there isn't much you can do but just put Ramirez on your bench and wait for the suspension to be over if you own him. The Times' article says the suspension is supposed to begin with tonight's game against the Washington Nationals, which would mean Ramirez would be eligible to play again on July 3 against the San Diego Padres.
I don't know for sure, but I assume Ramirez would need a few games in the minor leagues, like a rehab stint when coming off a long injury, to get back in form. The problem is, I don't think he can play any baseball games, Major League or Minor League, until his 50 games are served. Maybe expect him back for the July 7 game against the New York Mets.
This is another dark cloud for baseball, as Ramirez is one of the game's greatest hitters.
It's a dark cloud over your fantasy team too if you have Ramirez. If you own him and your in a rotisserie league, you're in some big trouble. You're not going to find anyone on the free agent market that can replace Ramirez. You can try to quickly sneak a fast-one by an unsuspecting manager in your league by offering Ramirez in a trade, but within the next four hours I'll bet every baseball follower hears Ramirez tested positive and is going to miss 50 games.
In his stead, you've got to look for hot bats on the free agent market, even if they don't play outfield. Colorado Rockies' first baseman Todd Helton looks to have regained his hitting stroke, add him to your lineup if you can. You can slide Helton in at utility or first base and hope he stays hot (he's hitting above .360 right now). If he plays like he is capable, Helton can help fill the void left by Ramirez.
As for replacing Manny's outfield spot, at least he plays a position where every team has three. There are always plenty of outfield options on the free agent market in fantasy leagues. Again, look for players who are on hot streaks. And try to hold it together until Ramirez returns.
If you have Ramirez in a head-to-head league, you aren't in as much trouble. Your team will struggle while he is gone, but he'll be back in plenty of time for head-to-head league playoffs and the stretch run of the season to get you into the playoffs. In head-to-head leagues, you just have to make sure you get your team into the postseason - and then it's anybody's game.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
